There are still a few months left before Shinichi's coming-of-age ceremony.
This grand ceremony, which originally belonged to the Uchiha Clan, has already secretly attracted a lot of attention in Konoha and even the entire Shinobi World. The eyes of all forces are quietly focusing, and everyone is waiting for that day to arrive.
But for Shinichi himself, the handover ceremony of the clan leader's position was just a smooth sailing. On the contrary, he had another "big event" that caused him quite a headache.
--That day was not only his coming-of-age ceremony, but also Tsunade's birthday.
Not many people know about this matter.
Tsunade has always taken her birthday very lightly and rarely made it public. When others mention it, she always brushes it off casually, as if she doesn't care at all.
But Shinichi is different, he clearly remembers the meaning of this day.
Every time in the dead of night, he would always think to himself: He would stand on top of the whole clan that day, attracting everyone's attention, and the ceremony would be grand. But when he turned around, he would find that Tsunade was also quietly celebrating his birthday on the same day.
On such an important day, what should I give her so that she can truly remember it in her heart?
This question made Shinichi, who prides himself on being calm and wise, find himself in a rare difficulty.
Gold and silver treasures? Rare ninja tools? Unique secret techniques?
He could afford these things and be able to give them away, but he always felt they were too tacky.
Moreover, he knows Tsunade better than anyone else. She may accept it with a smile on her face, but she may not care about it in her heart.
What she really values is never things, but her mind.
So in the past few months, Shinichi would fall into a state of deep thought from time to time - sometimes at the training ground, sometimes at his desk. Even Orochimaru couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he saw it. "You haven't been very focused recently. Have you gone crazy in your cultivation? Let me draw a few bottles of blood to study it!"
Of course he would not say it out loud, but Tangtang Uchiha Shinichi, the person who was about to succeed the patriarch, was actually worried about the girl's birthday gift.
But he knew in his heart that compared to power and strength, Tsunade's smile was what he wanted to protect the most.
Therefore, he was still thinking about whether on that day, apart from the hustle and bustle of the coming-of-age ceremony and the attention of his tribe, he could quietly prepare a surprise that belonged to both of them, so that she could truly feel that he had never forgotten her birthday and would never ignore it.
The time was approaching Tenten, but his thoughts had already quietly fallen on her.
Shinichi was sitting in the study, looking at the silver ring on her ring finger, her eyes slightly focused.
It was a gift collectively given by the Land of Demons people when Land of Demons and his party were traveling not long ago, symbolizing their respect and gratitude to Shinichi and Tsunade for completely resolving the disaster of the monster Moryo.
The shape of the ring is exquisite, and it can be considered that it is made with care.
He lowered his head and looked at the ring, and suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed in his eyes.
Although the ring is good, giving Tsunade is too petty.
What kind of person is she?
Bearing the glory of the Senju Clan, with both combat prowess and status, and such an unruly and proud temperament, it would be too perfunctory to just wear a random accessory.
If you want to give something, give her something that she really needs and something that can protect her.
Shinichi thought for a moment and had some calculations in his mind.
Why not create an exclusive storage space bracelet for her yourself - it is both practical and unique.
Immediately, he began to prepare.
He personally visited Konoha's best blacksmith shops and material dealers, and purchased a large amount of rare Chakra Metal. These metals can carry Chakra's flow, are extremely tough, and are most suitable for creating seal carriers.
After returning to the clan area, Shinichi thanked guests behind closed doors. Even Orochimaru and Tsunade were prevaricated by him, and he locked himself directly in the underground research room of Uchiha Clan Head's mansion.
While he was forging the metal into a milky-white bracelet that was as smooth as jade, the surface was warm and smooth, just like the finest mutton-fat white jade. When worn on the wrist, it was not ostentatious, but also had a calm and elegant look.
But the real mystery is hidden in the internal structure of the bracelet--
Shinichi used his Sealing Jutsu attainments to personally carve out the super large space Sealing Formula inside the bracelet. It is not just an ordinary storage space, but an expandable Sealing Formation that was improved after many deductions. The capacity is so large that it can almost fit the entire small armory, carry it with you, and flexibly arrange it.
Not only that, he secretly used Transcription Seal inside the bracelet to engrave several of his most powerful attack methods.
Just trigger Tsunade with Chakra, and it can be released instantly, no less than if he did it himself.
Just in case, he also specially carved a passively triggered protective Barrier seal on the surface of the bracelet. Once Tsunade encounters a crisis, the bracelet will automatically open the defensive barrier to isolate attacks from outside.
All of this was hidden by him in the seemingly simple and harmless white jade bracelet, making it impossible for outsiders to detect it.
Shinichi completed the last seal imprint, looked at the finished product in his hand carefully, and slowly raised a satisfied smile on his lips.
This is not only a gift, but also a talisman that he has devoted his efforts and placed his heart on.
Tsunade, on your birthday, I will not send Void vague vows, nor will I fill it with power and position.
I will use the most practical method to ensure that you are safe and sound at any time and anywhere, even if I am not around.
He gently rubbed the bracelet, his eyes were deep, and he thought to himself:
This is my promise.
In the courtyard of Konoha Orphanage, the spring sunshine shines on the bluestone paths, and the sounds of children's play come and go, giving off a lively atmosphere.
This year, Orphanage has welcomed a new member - a little boy with blond hair, blue eyes and a cheerful personality. He is only four years old and named Minato Namikaze.
His arrival did not cause much fluctuation. After all, Konoha Orphanage has taken in children left behind by wars and accidents all year round. However, the careful dean found that this little boy had a unique charm. He could always mediate conflicts between other orphans and warm people's hearts like a little sun.
In another corner of the courtyard, there was an older girl who was carefully tying scarves and tidying up the clothes of her younger brothers and sisters.
She has delicate features, skillful and patient movements, and she already has the demeanor of a big sister.
She is Yakushi Nonō, the spy ace of Root in the original time and space - Wandering Miko.
As early as last year, Shinichi noticed this girl in Orphanage - although she is young, she is already able to shoulder the burden of taking care of a group of children. Her temperament is calm and tenacious, which makes people feel pity and admiration.
At that time, Shinichi deliberately wanted to take her to Uchiha Clan Compound, train her well, and even arrange for her to receive the most systematic ninja education to find a truly bright future for her.
However, when he came to propose it in person, Yakushi Nonō shook his head firmly.
"Thank you Shinichi for your love, but I can't leave."
The little girl stood under the simple courtyard wall of Orphanage, her voice calm but with unquestionable firmness, "My brothers and sisters are still too young, and there is no one to take care of them. I can't leave them behind."
At that moment, Shinichi looked at her clear and firm eyes and actually laughed a little.
This girl understands responsibility and responsibility better than many adults.
He did not try to persuade him anymore, but turned around quietly. However, after returning to his clan, he directly ordered to increase investment in Konoha Orphanage.
Whether it is daily necessities, medical supplies, or monthly fund allocations, he has increased it by several percent, and even sent people to regularly deliver the best food and medicine, striving to ensure that every child in the hospital can be fed and clothed, and no longer have to live as hard as in the past.
He also knows that Nonō will not leave, at least not in a short time.
But it doesn't matter.
Since she was reluctant to leave, he would simply make Orphanage's backing indestructible so that she and these children would have no worries.
On this day, the sun was just right, the breeze was blowing through the streets of Konoha, and there was a faint fragrance of flowers in the air.
Shinichi suddenly took the time to come to Konoha Orphanage on a whim.
He walked through the familiar courtyard with his hands behind his hands and looked at a group of children playing and playing in the courtyard, his eyes couldn't help but soften a little.
Suddenly, his eyes stopped on a little blond boy in the corner.
The little boy is about four years old. He is small in stature but full of energy. His smile is so bright that it seems to melt the spring sunshine.
He was patiently helping a child younger than himself pick up the fallen wooden sword, with a cheerful and warm smile on his face.
Shinichi narrowed his eyes slightly and thought to himself: It's him, Minato Namikaze.
He stepped forward, stood in front of the boy, leaned slightly, and asked casually:
"Hey kid, what's your name?"
The blond boy raised his head, with a pair of clear blue eyes, looking at the extraordinary young man in front of him without fear, and answered obediently:
"Big brother, my name is Minato Namikaze!"
Shinichi lowered his head and looked at him, his eyes a little more playful and appreciative, the corners of his mouth raised slightly, and then he asked again:
"Minato, do you want to become a ninja?"
Minato Namikaze's eyes lit up, he nodded without hesitation, and his voice was clear:
"Yes! I want to become a powerful ninja! I want to protect the village in the future, and I also want to be like Lord Hokage, a person that everyone can rely on!"
As he spoke, he clenched his small fists, his eyes shining with longing and determination.
Shinichi looked at him quietly, with a smile in his eyes.
Sure enough, it was the familiar young man - sunny, warm and determined, with eyes as clear as a clear spring, hiding infinite longing for the future.
Minato Namikaze.
This name, in the future wave of Shinobi World, will eventually become a dazzling existence, the Fourth Hokage who stands on high and protects Konoha.
Shinichi lowered his head slightly, looking down at the young and immature figure in front of him, with a gentle smile on his lips.
He raised his hand and rubbed Minato's soft blond hair, his movements casual and intimate, with a hint of appreciation in his tone:
"Very good, boy, you are ambitious."
Minato was stunned for a moment, his face was slightly red, but he still blinked his big blue eyes and looked at Shinichi seriously, with unstoppable excitement and expectation hidden in his eyes.
Shinichi's eyes moved slightly, as if he suddenly thought of something, and the conversation changed. His tone was no longer just a joke, but a bit tentative and serious, and his eyes also had a certain meaning:
"Since you want to become a powerful ninja--"
He paused, leaned over, smiled at the corner of his mouth, and spoke in a gentle but low-pitched tone:
"Then, are you willing to become my teacher? I can teach you the most powerful ninjutsu, so that you can truly protect the people you want to protect in the future."
This was said neither lightly nor seriously, with a bit of joking casualness and a hint of serious edge.
Minato was slightly startled at first, obviously not expecting that the distinguished elder brother in front of him would suddenly make such a request. Then, a brilliant smile bloomed on that immature face.
He did not hesitate, as if he was afraid of missing some precious opportunity, and nodded heavily, with a serious face like a little adult:
"I do! Big brother, I will definitely study hard and never let you down!"
Shinichi looked at his sparkling eyes, as if looking at an uncarved but destined to be brilliant gem, the corners of his lips raised unconsciously, and he sighed softly in his heart.
--Sure enough, he is the boy who is destined to change the direction of Shinobi World.
Shinichi looked at the little guy in front of him whose little face was glowing with excitement, and the smile on his lips became a little deeper.
He raised his hand and gently patted Minato's thin shoulder. His tone was gentle, but with a hint of half-joking and half-serious ridicule:
"But, since you want to worship me as your teacher, you don't just need to call me 'Master'."
He leaned down, his eyes were level with Minato, and his smile was a little more meaningful:
"You have to move, you know? As my apprentice, you have to live with me, so that I can keep an eye on you anytime and anywhere and teach you how to practice."
As soon as he finished speaking, Minato blinked his big blue eyes and was stunned for a few seconds. Then he seemed to react and nodded happily. "Okay, big brother! No, master! I will move over and I will definitely learn it seriously!"
He had a solemn look on his face, and his small face was full of longing, as if he couldn't wait to embark on the path of spiritual practice.
Shinichi Looking at his serious look, the corners of his lips slightly raised, but there was a hint of tenderness in his heart.
This world is destined to be turbulent in the future, and he is willing to build a safe harbor around this young man early on.
Now that he has decided to accept this apprentice, he will personally cultivate this small sapling into a towering tree that can cover the sky and the sun.
"Okay, I will say hello to the dean later and take you to live with me." Shinichi stood up, smiled and patted Minato on the head, "Remember, don't be lazy when the time comes. Master, I don't tolerate others."
Minato nodded repeatedly, his little face full of eagerness to try.
At this moment, another important piece quietly fell on the chessboard of fate.
The future Konoha and the future Shinobi World will quietly cause another storm because of this young man and his master.